Why Hand Rankings Matter

In poker, players compete to make the strongest five-card hand. Understanding hand rankings is one of the first steps to learning how to play poker correctly.

1. Royal Flush

A royal flush is the best possible hand in poker. It includes Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit.

2. Straight Flush

Five cards in numerical order, all of the same suit.

3. Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, such as four Kings.

4. Full House

Three cards of one rank combined with two cards of another rank.

5. Flush

Five cards of the same suit that are not in numerical order.

6. Straight

Five cards in sequence using mixed suits.

7. Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank.

8. Two Pair

Two separate pairs in the same hand.

9. One Pair

Two cards of the same rank.

10. High Card

If no player makes any of the hands above, the highest card plays.

Practice Makes Poker Easier

The more you play, the easier it becomes to recognize winning hands quickly. Most players memorize hand rankings after only a few games.